CHAPTER 4 Japanese Diplomacy Open to the Public

1.Strengthening of the Diplomatic Implementation Structure and Japanese Citizens Playing Active Roles

To ensure its national interests and appropriately address various challenges facing the international community, Japan needs to reinforce its diplomatic implementation structure which enables it to make the best of its limited human and material resources. To that end, it is important to fully cooperate with various diplomatic players working actively in the international community and promote flexible and well-coordinated gall-Japanh diplomatic efforts.
One effective step toward these goals is to strengthen partnerships with NGOs, whose importance as actors in international cooperation is growing in the face of rising public interest in international cooperation. Japanese NGOs conduct support activities carefully attuned to local residentsf needs primarily in Asia, as well as in such other regions of the world as Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean. Also, based on their in-depth knowledge about the situations of residents in developing countries, these NGOsf are engaged in a broad range of activities, building networks and making policy recommendations in such specific fields as human rights, education, health care, and the environment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs values all these roles of NGOs and regards NGOs as important partners.

Providing informal education for working children in a city (Nepal, photo: SHAPLA NEER=Citizensf Committee in Japan for Oversea Support)

Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) and Senior Volunteers (SVs) are also important players in international cooperation, working toward the resolution of problems that developing countries face by striving together with local people. These volunteersf activities are visible representation of Japansf ODA in developing countries and are widely appreciated around the world, playing significant roles in promoting economic and social development of those countries, and fostering mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and developing countries. The volunteers who have returned home are expected to contribute their knowledge and experience to Japanese society as well.

Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) of nursing course giving guidance to nursing students in a hospital (Bolivia, photo: Japan International Cooperation Agency)

Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) of vocational training course teaching how to repair a vehicle to youths such as street children (Philippines, photo: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA))